When some restaurant groups try to go all in on a concept that includes a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and a food truck, sometimes they bite off more than they can chew (no pun intended). But when the team of Jack Everett, Chef Ramiro Guerra, and Mark Davis set out to make a one-stop shop for the locals in Oceanside, they created a homerun concept that will appeal to everyone.

About Oceanside’s The Lab Collective

Opened in January 2022, The Lab Collective is a 5,200 sq ft multi-use space that houses that brand’s restaurant, bar, and artisanal coffee shop, called Jet Fuel. 

In the restaurant’s own words, The Lab Collective offers “modern, upscale dining that is delivered in a friendly, caring, and artless way.” You may have noticed that the restaurant’s initials are also an acronym for TLC, which was a deliberate move by owners Jack Everett, Chef Ramiro Guerra, and their partner, investor Mark Davis.

The owners made a point of designing a space and menu where locals and visiting foodies would both feel at home and receive a little TLC when they visited. In addition to globally inspired dishes made with local California ingredients that feature premium meats, Executive Chef Guerra added similarly flavorful vegan menu items to ensure everyone in the community could find something they liked on the Lab Collective menu.

If you can’t make it to the restaurant, The Sandbox, the team’s food truck, is the restaurant’s “test kitchen on wheels” and serves up tasty bites like Birria Dip Sandwiches, BBQ Pulled Pork, and Ponzu Cauliflower and Leeks at the South O Brewing Company on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Location & Atmosphere

The energy was hopping when we visited, and based on the vibe, we have a feeling that’s always the speed this restaurant operates at. One of the first things you will notice when you dine at TLC is the open-concept kitchen. It was great to have that full view of the kitchen and see Chef Guerra and his sous chef working well as a team.

The decor here is clean and modern, and that ambiance plays to the restaurant’s concept of being a gathering place for elevated California cuisine in a friendly, coastal town. The dining room itself is big, open, and airy. There is so much natural light in this restaurant that it gives the space a cheery, laid-back feel. It’s just what you expect from a restaurant that embraces its San Diego roots. 

The Lab Collective has ample patio seating with cozy firepits, and the inside seating is a sports lovers’ dream. With multiple large-screen TVs, there’s not a bad seat in the house. If you’re looking for a restaurant in Oceanside to host your next large, private party? There’s a great table just off of the bar that is perfect for reservations of 8 to 10 guests. 

Menu

The menu at The Lab Restaurant in Oceanside is a celebration of California cuisine and creativity. Featured items like The Lab’s Poke Bowl, Thresher Shark Tacos (made with fresh, local fried fish, not shark), and the Chicken and Honey Mustard Salad are all menu favorites. 

When it comes to the dinner menu, you will find endless options for appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and hearty main courses. Start with Lab-style Chicken Wings in BBQ, Buffalo, Jerk, or Chili Lime dry rub, or a Charcuterie Board before moving on to a Crab Caesar Salad, Prosciutto, Artichoke Flatbread, or Marinated Skirt Steak.

Wine & Cocktails 

The wine list at The Lab Collective is good, but they definitely don’t take many risks on the selections. Bottles of Beringer, Caymus (Belle Glos), Daou, Chateau St. Michelle, Firestone, and Stags Leap seemed geared toward the traditional California palate. Contrast those to the craft cocktail program, which is filled with fun experimentation.  

Cocktails like the Botanist’s Basket (Choice of: Botanist Gin or Tito’s Vodka Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Blackberries), Maui Pineapple Mule (Pineapple and Cilantro Infused PAU Maui Vodka, Fresh Pineapple and Lime Juice, Ginger Beer), and the Smokey Paloma are sure to satisfy those who love a handcrafted cocktail.

Our Experience

We were really impressed by the presentation of the food at The Lab Collective and by the flavors. The Lab Burger was juicy and delicious and was served in a lettuce wrap rather than a bun. This dish was served with thick-cut fries that were hot and crispy, and it paired well with our bottle of Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles.

While the presentation of the food was amazing, it was almost impossible to take that first bite and experience all of the flavors at once because the sandwiches (burgers included) were just enormous. 

The other thing that stuck out to us was the way they store their wine. The Lab has a really cool wine wall that they use to store their wine, but it’s temperature controlled for the reds.  They really should rethink this. The wine we ordered was good, but it would have been better had it not been served warm. 

As most wine lovers know, storing wine at the wrong temperature can ruin a bottle and lead to some funky flavors. 

Closing Thoughts

With the exception of the warm red wine, we enjoyed our experience and have no hesitation in giving The Lab Collective a solid 4-star rating. The service was 5 stars, the energy was vibrant, and all the chefs were totally in sync in the open-concept kitchen. If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Oceanside, The Lab Collective should be at the top of your list. 

It’s also worth noting that the team is planning for a future opening in a new sports arena that is under development and is scouting locations for a steakhouse.